Gene Haas Foundation Gifts $1 Million to SME-Education Foundation

The funding will provide scholarships to students in technical training programs.

News Item
From:
10/8/2013
Modern Machine Shop

The SME-Education Foundation received a gift of $1 million from the Gene Haas Foundation designated for manufacturing training and education scholarships. The funds will benefit as many as 1,000 students entering machinist training programs in the United States and abroad.

“This gift from the Gene Haas Foundation allows us to open up multiple pathways for students,” said Bart Aslin, CEO of the SME-Education Foundation. “Companies engaged in machining technology are searching for skilled machinists, but they don’t exist.”

The funding will help address the skills gap by aiding students pursuing careers in the machining industry. Providing scholarships for students in technical training programs is of particular interest to Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation.

“I see firsthand the continued need to build a qualified workforce through machining training and education,” Mr. Haas says. “It’s very important to me, personally, to help secure this training for future machinists in our industry, which is why the Gene Haas Foundation chose to make a $1 million grant to the SME-Education Foundation this year for scholarships.”

“These scholarships will help prepare people for manufacturing careers, and in turn, help the manufacturing industry obtain qualified people for the hundreds of thousands of unfilled manufacturing jobs in our county,” Mr. Haas added. “Workforce development is a key way to improve the lives of so many while also helping to build a stronger economy for all.”

Scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,000, depending on the cost of the applicant’s program. Students can apply online through the SME-Education Foundation website.